Finding Peace in Troubled Times (Current Financial Crisis)

Psalm 85:8 – I will listen to what God the LORD will say; he promises peace to his people, his saints— but let them not return to folly. (NIV)

We are in troubled times right now in our nation. The current financial crisis is touching people who formerly were shielded somewhat by prosperity and the hope of prosperity. However, now people across our nation and the world are beginning to consider what a financial insecure future might hold. How does a person find a place of peace in troubled times? The above verse holds some beautiful keys for us to find the answers we seek during troubled times:
1. Do not allow bad news to drown out the good news

The Psalmist declares "I will listen to what God will say!"

If we are not careful, we can allow all the negative news reports and stories to suffocate our faith. We cannot bury our heads in the sand of denial or choose to remain ignorant of current events, but we can be proactive when we hear bad news. How?
A. Don't panic but pray
Allow negative reports to remind you to pray and declare the goodness of God in the worst of circumstances (Rom 8:28)
B. Use the information to help you minister to people
When people are hurting, their hearts are open for help.
C. Remember Jesus is with you in troubled times–Listen to what he has to say to you.
2. Claim God's promise of peace to His people
If God promises peace, then it is there for you to recieve. Deliberately choose by your faith to recieve peace. Do not grieve the Holy Spirit who desires to release peace to your heart.

How do you grieve him and refuse his peace?
A. By meditating on what the enemy is doing instead of what God is doing.
B. By feeling you have no recourse of action. God always provides a way of escape from the things that would steal our peace.
C. By not using your faith–You have to choose to believe in God who you cannot see instead of the circumstances that you can see.
D.By not remembering that there is no greater power than the Holy Spirit. You may have all the news stations and commentators, your work associates and neighbors groaning and declaring the devil's victory–BUT remember that God is a majority and has the final say–stick to what He says. He promises you peace.
3. Don't Give Up!
We return to folly (see the last part of the verse) when we choose to agree with the world's assessment of things. Don't give up on God's promise and you cannot fail.

We all have a choice to believe God and keep our eyes on His promises or to align with all that is going on around us. Do not become discouraged and give up (Gal. 6:9). Breakthrough comes when one force finally grows larger that the opposing force. Don't give up and you will breakthrough. The option is a breakdown and becoming buried in a grave of negativity and despair.

You can have peace right in the middle of troubled times.

Eddie LawrenceAs a husband, father, pastor, author, and web developer, Eddie lives an exciting and productive life. He holds earned Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees and is also the owner of Sermon Seedbed.

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